High Pressure, Large Inner Diameter Hose Coupling With Termination Attachment

ABSTRACT

A hose coupling for attachment to an end portion of a hose. The hose coupling may include a fitting, a termination attachment, and an end termination. The fitting may be attachable to the end portion of the hose. The fitting may include a ferrule and a stem. The ferrule may be attached to the stem. The termination attachment may be attached to the fitting in opposing relationship to the end portion of the hose. The end termination may be associated with the termination attachment. In some examples, the end termination is threaded, welded, integrally formed, integrally machined, or otherwise associated with the termination attachment.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates generally to couplings used in oil fieldand other applications, and more particularly to a high pressure, largeinner diameter hose coupling with a termination attachment.

Related Art

Large diameter, high pressure hoses (such as those used in oil fieldapplications) typically are attached together with large diameter,mating end terminations (such as flanges, male hammer unions, hubs, andthe like). Each end termination generally is attached to a respectivehose by a hose-end fitting. The hose-end fittings conventionally arebuilt-in or swaged to the hose.

Built-in fittings generally are attached to a respective hose prior tocuring the hose, resulting in a custom manufacturing process that beginsupon receipt of a customer order. For instance, upon receiving an order,the manufacturing facility generally manufactures a hose to length,bonds the fittings to the ends of the made-to-length hose, and thencures the assembled hose and fittings. Manufacturing facilitiesgenerally experience delays due to the labor-intensive process, the needto schedule a hose build after receiving the customer order, and aninability to utilize a cut and couple system. This results in long leadtimes for customer orders.

Swage fittings generally are attached to a previously-cured hose,resulting in a faster manufacturing process relative to built-infittings. For instance, prior to receiving a customer order, hosesgenerally are cured in long lengths and then stored alongside varioustypes of fittings. Upon receiving a customer order, a cured hose is cutto the proper length, and then the swage fittings are attached to theends of the cut-to-length, cured hose. Despite the benefits, swagefittings have several drawbacks.

In some circumstances, the end terminations are welded to the hose-endfitting before the fitting is swaged to the hose. However, due at leastin part to the large size of the end terminations, swaging dies must beremoved from the swaging equipment to allow removal of the swaged hoseassembly from the equipment, thereby increasing the complexity and timeof the swaging operation. To address this issue, in some circumstances,the end terminations are welded to the hose-end fitting after thefitting is swaged to the hose. However, due to the proximity of thewelding operation to the swaged end of the hose, the heat from thewelding operation may damage the end of the hose, which may compromisethe integrity of the swage connection. To mitigate the risk of heatdamage, certain welding methods (such as water-jacket welding) may beused, but these methods are difficult and potentially dangerous. Theswage operation also generally requires the use of heavy dies.Additionally, due to the nature of the swage operation, the hose isfirst crushed at the end of the ferrule of the swage fitting, and thenthe hose is compressed such that it grows axially relative to the stemof the fitting, imparting shear forces through the thickness of the hoseand often delaminating or otherwise damaging the hose.

SUMMARY

Examples of the disclosure may include a hose coupling for attachment toan end portion of a hose. The hose coupling may include a fitting, atermination attachment, and an end termination. The fitting may beattachable to the end portion of the hose. The fitting may include aferrule and a stem. The ferrule may be attached to the stem. Thetermination attachment may be attached to the fitting in opposingrelationship to the end portion of the hose. The end termination may beassociated with the termination attachment. In some examples, the endtermination is threaded, welded, integrally formed, or integrallymachined with the termination attachment. The coupling may include asecond ferrule attached to the termination attachment. The secondferrule may extend axially over the ferrule and may be spaced radiallyoutwardly of the ferrule. The termination attachment may be a tubularstructure that is threaded at one end and chamfered at an opposing end.The termination attachment may be a tubular structure that is threadedat one end and integrally-machined with the end termination at anopposing end.

The termination attachment may form a fluid-tight interface with thestem. The fluid-tight interface may include a first seal formed bysealing element sealed against opposing surfaces of the stem and thetermination attachment. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid-tightinterface may include a second seal formed between opposing taperedsurfaces of the stem and the termination attachment. The taperedsurfaces may be axially offset from the sealing element. For example,the tapered surfaces may be positioned axially-inward or axially-outwardof the sealing element.

The termination attachment may be in threaded engagement with thefitting. For example, the termination attachment may be in threadedengagement with the stem or the ferrule. The termination attachment andthe ferrule may include corresponding locking features to prevent thetermination attachment from unthreading from the fitting. The lockingfeature of the termination attachment may include an annular lockinggroove, and the locking feature of the ferrule may include one or morethrough-holes axially aligned with the annular locking groove. One ormore set screws may be received in the through-holes and may protrudeinto the annular locking groove.

In some examples, the hose coupling may include a unitary, one-piecestem, a unitary, one-piece ferrule, and a termination attachment. Theunitary, one-piece stem may include a first end portion, a second endportion, and an intermediate portion disposed axially between the firstand second end portions. The unitary, one-piece ferrule may include afirst collar portion, a second collar portion, and an intermediateportion disposed axially between the first and second collar portions.The first collar portion may be disposed about the first end portion andmay define a first annular space between the first end portion and thefirst collar portion. The second collar portion may be disposed aboutthe second end portion and may define a second annular space between thesecond end portion and the second collar portion. The intermediateportion of the ferrule may be disposed about and attached to theintermediate portion of the stem. An end portion of a hose may bedisposed in the first annular space. The termination attachment may beat least partially received within the second annular space. Thetermination attachment may be a nipple that is externally or internallythreaded at one end and chamfered at an opposing end.

The termination attachment may form a fluid-tight interface with thesecond end portion of the stem. The fluid-tight interface may include asealing element disposed about an outer surface of the second endportion of the stem and sealed against an inner surface of thetermination attachment, and a tapered segment of the outer surface ofthe second end portion of the stem sealed against a tapered segment ofthe inner surface of the termination attachment. The respective taperedsegments may be positioned axially-inward or outward of the sealingelement along the respective outer and inner surfaces. In some examples,the sealing element may seal against an outer surface of the terminationattachment and an inner surface of the stem.

The termination attachment may be attached to the second collar portionof the ferrule. The termination attachment may include an externalthread, and the second collar portion of the ferrule may include aninternal thread in threaded engagement with the external thread of thetermination attachment. The intermediate portion of the stem may includean external thread, the intermediate portion of the ferrule may includean internal thread in threaded engagement with the external thread ofthe intermediate portion of the stem, and the internal thread of theintermediate portion of the ferrule may be continuous with the internalthread of the second collar portion.

The termination attachment and the second collar portion of the ferrulemay include corresponding locking features to prevent the terminationattachment from unthreading from the ferrule. The locking feature of thetermination attachment may include an annular locking groove, and thelocking feature of the second collar portion of the ferrule may includemultiple through-holes that are axially aligned with one another andalignable with the annular locking groove. The through-holes of thesecond collar portion of the ferrule may be disposed axially between theinternal thread of the second collar portion of the ferrule and an endface of the ferrule.

In another example, a hose-end fitting is provided. The hose-end fittingmay include a stem, a sealing element, and a ferrule. The stem mayinclude a first end portion insertable into an end portion of a hose.The sealing element may be arranged about the first end portion of thestem. The ferrule may be attached to the stem. The ferrule may include afirst collar portion disposed about the first end portion and definingan annular space between the first end portion and the first collarportion. The first collar portion may include an annular, internalserration that is positioned axially inward of the sealing element tofacilitate a fluid-tight interface between the sealing element and anend portion of a hose. The annular, internal serration may be axiallyseparated from an adjacent annular, internal serration by a cylindricalsegment. The first end portion of the stem may include a series ofexternal, annular barbs spaced axially apart from one another, and thesealing element may be positioned axially between consecutive barbs ofthe series of external, annular barbs.

In another example, a method of attaching a hose coupling to a hose isprovided. The method may include attaching a ferrule to a stem to form ahose-end fitting, inserting an end portion of a hose into an annularspace defined between a portion of the ferrule and a portion of thestem, radially constricting the annular space to attach the fitting tothe end portion of the hose, and, after attaching the fitting to the endportion of the hose, threadably engaging a termination attachment to thefitting in opposing relationship to the end portion of the hose.Radially constricting the annular space may compress a sealing elementdisposed about the stem against an inner surface of the hose to form afluid-tight interface between the sealing element and the hose. Thefitting may be non-rotatable relative to the end portion of the hose.

The method may further include forming a fluid-tight interface betweenopposing surfaces of the termination attachment and the stem during thethreaded engagement of the termination attachment to the fitting. Themethod may further include rotating the termination attachment relativeto the fitting until a marking on an outer surface of the terminationattachment is aligned with an end face of the ferrule. The method mayfurther include axially locking the termination attachment to thefitting to prevent unthreading of the termination attachment from thefitting.

In another example, a hose assembly is provided. The hose assembly mayinclude a hose and a coupling. The hose may include an inner tube, acable reinforcement layer surrounding the inner tube, and a cover layersurrounding the cable reinforcement layer. The coupling may be crimpedor swaged on an end portion of the hose. The coupling may include aunitary ferrule, a unitary stem, a termination attachment, and an endtermination. The unitary ferrule may be disposed over the end portion ofthe hose. The unitary stem may be disposed in the end portion of thehose. The stem may be attached to the ferrule. The terminationattachment may be attached to the ferrule or the stem in opposingrelationship to the end portion of the hose. The end termination may beassociated with the termination attachment.

The termination attachment may be in threaded engagement with theferrule or the stem. The termination attachment may form a fluid-tightinterface with the stem. The coupling may further include a sealingelement disposed about the stem and sealed against an inner surface ofthe inner tube. The ferrule may include an internal serration that ispositioned axially inward of the sealing element to facilitate afluid-tight interface between the sealing element and the inner surfaceof the inner tube. The end termination may be welded to orintegrally-machined with the termination attachment. The inner tube maybe at least partially skived along the end portion of the hose. Thecover layer may be at least partially skived along the end portion ofthe hose.

This summary of the disclosure is given to aid understanding, and one ofskill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects andfeatures of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in someinstances, or in combination with other aspects and features of thedisclosure in other instances. Accordingly, while the disclosure ispresented in terms of examples, it should be appreciated that individualaspects of any example can be claimed separately or in combination withaspects and features of that example or any other example.

This summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as beingrepresentative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure.The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in thisapplication and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subjectmatter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements,components, or the like in this summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part ofthe specification in which like numerals designate like parts,illustrate examples of the present disclosure and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example hose coupling, including a weldnipple and a flange end termination.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the hose coupling of FIG.1 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, detail view of the hose coupling of FIG. 1 takenalong the FIG. 3 detail line shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with someexamples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, detail view of the hose coupling of FIG. 1 takenalong the FIG. 4 detail line shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with someexamples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a generally quarter-sectioned, side view of the hose couplingof FIG. 1, with the coupling crimped onto a hose end in accordance withsome examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section view of another example hosecoupling in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-section view of another example hosecoupling in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-section view of another example hosecoupling in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-section view of another example hosecoupling in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a hose coupling. The hosecoupling may include two primary components: a hose-end fitting and atermination attachment. The hose-end fitting may be secured to an end ofa hose, which may be used in high-pressure and/or high-temperatureapplications, such as oil field or other applications. In someimplementations, the fitting is crimped to the end of the hose,producing considerably less damage to the hose relative to swagedfittings. The termination attachment may be secured to any desired endtermination (e.g., large diameter connections such as flanges, malehammer unions, hubs, and the like). In some implementations, thetermination attachment is threaded, welded, integrally formed,integrally machined, or otherwise associated with an end termination.After associating the termination attachment with the end termination,the termination attachment and the end termination may be attached tothe end of the hose via the fitting.

The coupling may reduce the complexity and time of securing the endtermination to an end of the hose, as well as reduce the likelihood ofheat damage to the hose during assembly, thereby decreasing equipmentdowntime. In some implementations, the fitting is crimped or swaged toan end of the hose before the termination attachment and associated endtermination are attached to the fitting. As such, the fitting may bepositioned within the crimp or swage equipment, subsequently crimped orswaged to the end of the hose, and then the fitting and the end of thehose may be removed collectively from the equipment, without removingdies from the equipment. After the crimping or swaging operation, thetermination attachment and associated end termination may be attached tothe fitting in opposing relationship to the end of the hose, without awelding operation. In some examples, the coupling is attached to a hosehaving an internal diameter of between about 2 inches and about 4inches.

An exploded view of a coupling 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The coupling 100may include a stem 102, a ferrule 104, and a termination attachment 106.The ferrule 104 may be threaded, staked, or otherwise attached to thestem 102 to form a hose-end fitting 107, which may be crimped, swaged,or otherwise attached to an end portion of a hose. The terminationattachment 106 may be attached to the hose-end fitting 107 opposite theend portion of the hose.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stem 102 may be formed as a unitary,one-piece tubular structure. The stem 102 may include a first endportion 108, a second end portion 110, and an intermediate portion 112disposed axially between the first and second end portions 108, 110. Theintermediate portion 112 may be contiguous with the first and second endportions 108, 110. The first end portion 108, the second end portion110, and the intermediate portion 112 may be co-axially aligned along alongitudinal axis of the stem 102. The stem 102 may define a continuousinternal bore 114 extending through the first end portion 108, thesecond end portion 110, and the intermediate portion 112 to facilitatefluid transmission through the fitting 107.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the first end portion 108 of the stem102 may be engageable with an end portion of a hose 128 to form afluid-tight interface with the hose 128. With reference to FIGS. 2 and4, a first region 116 of the first end portion 108 may be contiguouswith the intermediate portion 112 and may include one or more external,annular relatively-blunt ridges 122 spaced axially apart from oneanother. Referring to FIG. 5, the ridges 122 may engage a reinforcementlayer 124 of the hose 128. The reinforcement layer 124 may includecables 123 (as shown in FIG. 5), wires, or other suitable reinforcingstructures. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a second region 120 may becontiguous with the first region 116 and may include a series ofexternal, annular relatively-sharp barbs 132 spaced axially apart fromone another. Referring to FIG. 5, the barbs 132 may engage an innersurface 125 of the hose 128. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a third region118 may be contiguous with the second region 120 and may include agripping contour 130. Referring to FIG. 5, the gripping contour 130 mayengage armor 127 disposed inside the hose 128 and capture the armor 127between the stem 102 and the inner surface 125 of the hose 128. Thearmor 127 may be formed as a flexible metal conduit. In someimplementations, the armor 127 has an outer diameter disposed withinabout 0.12 inches of the hose inner diameter. In some implementations,the armor 127 is formed of stainless steel.

The first end portion 108 of the stem 102 may include a sealing featurefor sealing engagement with the inner surface 125 of the inner tube ortube portion 129 of the hose 128 to prevent or substantially prevent theingress of fluid from the internal bore 114 of the stem 102 into thefirst region 116 of the stem 102. With reference to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5,one or more elastomeric sealing elements 136 (e.g., O-rings) may bedisposed about the second region 120 of the stem 102. In FIGS. 2, 4, and5, one or more sealing elements 136 may be disposed about the first endportion 108, with the axially-inwardly positioned sealing element 136denoted by the reference numeral 136 a for identification purposes. Thesealing elements 136 may facilitate a sealing engagement with the tubeportion 129 of the hose 128, which may be plastic. One or more back-uprings 138 may be disposed about the second region 120 of the first endportion 108 of the stem 102 in abutting relationship with an aft-side ofthe sealing elements 136. The back-up rings 138 may ensure the seals 136remain in place along the second region 120 of the stem 102. The sealingelements 136 and the back-up rings 138 may be disposed in annulargrooves formed in a periphery of the stem 102 between successive barbs132.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the second end portion 110 of the stem 102may be engageable with the termination attachment 106 to form afluid-tight interface with the termination attachment 106. The secondend portion 110 of the stem 102 may include a cylindrical orsubstantially cylindrical outer surface 140 that may define one or morestepped surfaces. With reference to FIG. 3, the outer surface 140 mayinclude a first or leading surface 142, a second or trailing surface144, and a first shoulder 146 disposed between the first and secondsurfaces 142, 144. The second surface 144 may have a larger outerdiameter than the first surface 142. The first shoulder 146 may beformed as an annular shoulder oriented transversely (e.g.,perpendicularly) to the first and second surfaces 142, 144 and mayfunction as a seal stop. The first and second surfaces 142, 144 may becylindrical or substantially cylindrical. The first surface 142 mayinclude a rounded leading edge to facilitate alignment of the second endportion 110 with the termination attachment 106, to facilitate sealinstallation, or both. A tapered or angled surface 147 may be contiguouswith the second surface 144. The angled surface 147 may form afluid-tight interface with the termination attachment 106. In someimplementations, the angled surface 147 forms a metal-to-metal seal withthe termination attachment 106. The angled surface 147 may transitioninto a second shoulder 148. The second shoulder 148 may demarcate thesecond end portion 110 and the intermediate portion 112 of the stem 102.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, an elastomeric sealing element 150(e.g., an O-ring) may be disposed about the first surface 142. Referringto FIG. 3, the sealing element 150 may form a sealing engagement withthe stem 102 and the termination attachment 106 to prevent fluid leakagebetween the stem 102 and the termination attachment 106. The sealingelement 150 may be retained on the stem 102 (see FIG. 3) or on thetermination attachment 106. One or more back-up rings 152 may bedisposed about the first surface 142 axially between and in abutmentwith the sealing element 150 and the first shoulder 146. In someimplementations, the sealing element 150 is retained in a groove formedon the stem 102 or the termination attachment 106.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the intermediate portion 112 of the stem102 may be engageable with a middle portion of the ferrule 104 to attachthe ferrule 104 to the stem 102. The intermediate portion 112 mayinclude an external thread 154 for threaded engagement with the ferrule104. The external thread 154 may be a straight thread. Referring to FIG.3, the external thread 154 may have a minor diameter that is larger thanthe outer diameter of the first and second surfaces 142, 144. Theexternal thread 154 may be disposed axially between the second shoulder148 and a third shoulder 156, which may function as a stop for theferrule 104. The third shoulder 156 may extend outwardly from the minordiameter of the external thread 154 at an oblique angle, for example.

The ferrule 104 may be formed as a unitary, one-piece tubular structure.The ferrule 104 may include a first collar or shroud portion 158, asecond collar or shroud portion 160, and an intermediate portion 162disposed axially between the first and second collar portions 158, 160.The intermediate portion 162 may be contiguous with the first and secondcollar portions 158, 160. The first collar portion 158, the secondcollar portion 160, and the intermediate portion 162 may be co-axiallyaligned along a longitudinal axis of the ferrule 104. The ferrule 104may define an internal bore 164 extending continuously through the firstcollar portion 158, the second collar portion 160, and the intermediateportion 162 for receiving the stem 102, the end portion 126 of the hose128, and an end portion of the termination attachment 106.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the first collar portion 158 of the ferrule104 may be disposed about the first end portion 108 of the stem 102 soas to define an annular space 166 radially between the first collarportion 158 and the first end portion 108. The first collar portion 158may be arranged concentrically about and spaced radially-outwardly ofthe first end portion 108. The first collar portion 158 may beradially-inwardly contractible or crushable so as to secure the endportion 126 of the hose 128 between the first collar portion 158 and thefirst end portion 108. Additionally or alternatively, the first endportion 108 of the stem 102 may be radially-outwardly expandable so asto secure the end portion 126 of the hose 128 between the first collarportion 158 and the first end portion 108. Internally expanding the stem102 may improve sealing and retention between the fitting 107 and thehose 128. For instance, internally expanding the stem 102 may assist inlocking the armor 127 in place, in improving fitting retention, and inreducing hose damage since the ferrule 104 may be crimped to a largerdiameter with the same level of retention.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the first collar portion 158 of theferrule 104 may include a first region 168, a second region 170, and anintermediate region 172 disposed axially between the first and secondregions 168, 170. The first region 168 may be contiguous with theintermediate portion 162 of the ferrule 104, and the second region 170may be contiguous with a leading edge of the ferrule 104. With referenceto FIGS. 2 and 4, the first region 168 may include one or more internal,annular, relatively-blunt ridges 174 spaced axially apart from oneanother. The intermediate region 172 may include a series of internal,annular serrations 176 axially separated from one another by a series ofcylindrical or substantially cylindrical segments 178. The second region170 may include multiple internal, annular projections 180 spacedaxially apart from one another.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the cylindrical segments 178 may be formedas recesses in the exterior or outer surface of the ferrule 104. Thecylindrical segments 178 may be located axially between external ridges181 of the ferrule 104. When the ferrule 104 is crimped, the externalridges 181 may be pushed radially inwardly and a middle portion of thecylindrical segments 178 may remain at a larger diameter, resulting inthe cylindrical segments 178 forming an arched or curved bulge betweenthe external ridges 181 (see FIG. 5). The cylindrical segments 178 mayreduce the axial growth of the ferrule 104 and may reduce the crimpforce needed to attach the fitting 107 to the hose 128, since thecylindrical segments 178 are not constricted radially as much as theexternal ridges 181.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first and intermediate regions 168, 172 of theferrule 104 may engage the reinforcement layer 124 of the hose 128, andthe second region 170 of the ferrule 104 may engage the cover layer orportion 134 of the hose 128. The internal ridges 174 of first region 168of the ferrule 104 may interdigitate or interlock with the externalridges 122 of the first region 116 of the stem 102 to axially secure thehose 128 within a first zone 182 of the hose-end fitting 107. Within thefirst zone 182, the reinforcement layer 124 of the hose 128 may begripped internally and externally by the axially offset ridges 122, 174of the stem 102 and the ferrule 104, respectively. The ridges 122, 174may have axial lengths sufficient to bite or grip the reinforcementlayer 124 without creating a stress riser that causes the reinforcementlayer 124 to break or snap. The interdigitated ridges 122, 174 may movethe reinforcement layer 124 into radially-opposing grooves formedaxially between the respective ridges 122, 174, thereby moving thereinforcement layer 124 into a substantially sinusoidal shape andproviding a mechanical interlock. The offset ridges 122, 174 may providethe primary gripping or retention of the hose 128.

The internal serrations 176 of the intermediate region 172 of theferrule 104 may generally radially oppose the annular barbs 132 of thesecond region 120 of the stem 102 to axially secure the hose 128 withina second zone 184 of the hose-end fitting 107. The internal serrations176 may bite into the hose reinforcement layer 124, provide compressionto the hose 128 for sealing, or both. The internal projections 180 ofthe second region 170 of the ferrule 104 may engage the cover portion134 of the hose 128 to prevent or substantially prevent the cover 134from bulging. The second region 170 may generally radially oppose thesecond region 120 of the stem 102, the third region 118 of the stem 102,or both and define a third zone 186 of the hose-end fitting 107. Whenengaged with the end portion 126 of the hose 128, the hose-end fitting107 may be capable of withstanding an internal hose operating pressurein excess of 10,000 pounds-force per square inch (PSI), without leakage.

The first collar portion 158 of the ferrule 104 may facilitate thesealing engagement between the one or more elastomeric sealing elements136 and the hose 128. With reference to FIG. 5, when the hose-endfitting 107 is secured to the end portion 126 of the hose 128, one ofthe internal serrations 176 of the intermediate region 172 of theferrule 104 may compress the inner surface 125 of the hose 128 againstone of the elastomeric sealing elements 136. As shown in FIG. 5, aninternal serration 176 a may be axially aligned or substantially axiallyaligned with the axially-inward sealing element 136 a. In someimplementations, the internal serration 176 a may be axially offsetfrom, and positioned opposite the pressure side of, the axially-inwardsealing element 136 a (to the left of the sealing element 136 a in FIG.5) to facilitate a sealing engagement of the inner surface 125 of thehose 128 with the sealing element 136 a.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the second collar portion 160 of theferrule 104 may be disposed about the second end portion 110 of the stem102 so as to define an annular space 188 radially between the secondcollar portion 160 and the second end portion 110. The second collarportion 160 may be arranged concentrically about and spacedradially-outwardly of the second end portion 110.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the second collar portion 160 of theferrule 104 may include an attachment feature, such as an internalthread 190. The second collar portion 160 may include a locking feature,such as one or more through-holes 192 spaced around a periphery of thesecond collar portion 160 and axially aligned with one another. Thethrough-holes 192 may be internally threaded and may be disposed axiallybetween an end face 194 of the ferrule 104 and the internal thread 190.The locking feature may prevent or substantially prevent rotation of thetermination attachment 106 relative to the fitting 107 to maintain ametal-to-metal seal between the termination attachment 106 and thefitting 107. In some implementations, spot welds are used to secure thetermination attachment 106 to the fitting 107.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the intermediate portion 162 of theferrule 104 may be disposed about the intermediate portion 112 of thestem 102. The intermediate portion 162 may be arranged concentricallyabout and attached to the intermediate portion 112. With reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, the intermediate portion 162 may include an internalthread 196, which may be continuous with the internal thread 190 of thesecond collar portion 162 of the ferrule 104. The internal threads 190,196 may be straight threads. The internal thread 196 of the intermediateportion 162 of the ferrule 104 may threadably engage the external thread154 of the intermediate portion 112 of the stem 102. A leading edge 198of the internal thread 196 may abut against the third shoulder 156 ofthe stem 102 upon full engagement of the internal thread 196 of theferrule 104 and the external thread 154 of the stem 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the termination attachment 106 may be formedas a tubular structure. The termination attachment 106 may be partiallydisposed about the second end portion 110 of the stem 102 and within thesecond collar portion 160 of the ferrule 104. The termination attachment106 may sealingly engage the stem 102, and the termination attachment106 may be attached to the ferrule 104. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thetermination attachment 106 may be threaded at one end for threadedattachment with the hose-end fitting 107. The termination attachment 106may be chamfered at an opposing end for welded attachment with an endtermination 200, such as a flange 201, a hammer union, or other suitableconnections. In the depicted example, the termination attachment 106 maybe referred to as a weld nipple. In some examples, the terminationattachment 106 may be integrally formed or machined as a singlestructure with the end termination 200.

The termination attachment 106 may include a first end portion 202 and asecond end portion 204. The first end portion 202 may be at leastpartially received within the annular space 188 defined between thesecond collar portion 160 of the ferrule 104 and the second end portion110 of the stem 102. The second end portion 204 of the terminationattachment 106 may be disposed at least partially beyond the end face194 of the ferrule 104.

The first end portion 202 of the termination attachment 106 may bethreadably attached to the ferrule 104. The first end portion 202 mayinclude an external thread 206 that threadably engages the internalthread 190 of the second collar portion 160 of the ferrule 104, therebyenabling the termination attachment 106 to be attached to the hose-endfitting 107 after attachment of the stem 102 and the ferrule 104 to theend portion 126 of the hose 128. The threaded engagement between thetermination attachment 106 and the ferrule 104 may provide a mechanicaladvantage to draw the termination attachment 106 to the ferrule 104 forconnection, as well as to form a fluid-tight seal with the stem 102.

The first end portion 202 of the termination attachment 106 may beengageable with the second end portion 110 of the stem 102 to form afluid-tight interface with the stem 102. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, thefirst end portion 202 may include a cylindrical or substantiallycylindrical inner surface 208 that may define one or more steppedsurfaces. The inner surface 208 may include a first or leading surface210, a second or trailing surface 212, and a radial shoulder 214disposed between the first and second surfaces 210, 212. The firstsurface 210 may have a larger inner diameter than the second surface212. The radial shoulder 214 may be oriented transversely (e.g.,perpendicularly) to the first and second surfaces 210, 212.

The sealing element 150 may contact opposing surfaces 142, 210 of thestem 102 and the termination attachment 106, respectively, to provide afluid-tight interface between the stem 102 and the terminationattachment 106. The first surface 210 may radially oppose the secondsurface 144 of the of the stem 102 and may be disposed sufficientlyclose to the second surface 144 to prevent the sealing element 150 frombeing displaced or extruded between the surfaces 144, 210 due to apositive internal fluid pressure of the hose 128. The one or moreback-up rings 152 may assist in preventing the sealing element 150 frombeing displaced or extruded between the surfaces 144, 210. The secondsurface 212 may radially oppose the first surface 142 of the stem 102and may be disposed sufficiently close to the first surface 142 toprevent the sealing element 150 from being displaced or extruded betweenthe surfaces 142, 212 due to a vacuum or negative pressure in the hose128.

A tapered or angled surface 211 may be contiguous with the first surface210 of the termination attachment 106. The angled surface 211 may form afluid-tight interface with the stem 102. In some implementations, theangled surface 211 forms a metal-to-metal seal 149 with the angledsurface 147 of the stem 102 (see FIG. 3). In these implementations, theinterface between the termination attachment 106 and the stem 102provides two fluid-tight seals: a first seal formed by the sealingelement 150, and a second seal formed by the engagement of the angledsurfaces 147, 211. The metal-to-metal seal 149 may be formed on eitheraxial side of the sealing element 150. Referring to FIG. 3, themetal-to-metal seal 149 is formed rearwardly of the sealing element 150.Referring to FIG. 7, the metal-to-metal seal 449 is formed forwardly ofthe sealing element 450. The angled surface 211 may transition into aleading end face 220 of the termination attachment 106.

The termination attachment 106 may provide a visual indicator of aproper connection with the stem 102 and the ferrule 104. The visualindicator may be used as a safety indicator to indicate if thetermination attachment 106 is fully engaged with the stem 102 and theferrule 104. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the termination attachment 106may include an insertion marking 216 formed on the outer surface 218 ofthe termination attachment 106. The insertion marking 216 may be axiallyspaced from a leading end face 220 of the termination attachment 106 bya distance substantially corresponding to the axial length between theend face 194 of the ferrule 104 and the second shoulder 148 defining thetransition between the second end portion 110 and the intermediateportion 112 of the stem 102. Axial alignment of the marking 216 with theend face 220 may indicate a sufficient sealed engagement between thetermination attachment 106 and the stem 102. The insertion marking 216may be a groove, ink, or other suitable marking. The insertion marking216 may extend continuously or discontinuously around the outer surface218 of the termination attachment 106. The insertion marking 216 may beannular to provide a visual indication of a proper connection from anyviewing angle.

The termination attachment 106 may include a locking feature to axiallysecure the termination attachment 106 to the ferrule 104, therebypreventing the termination attachment 106 from unthreading from theferrule 104 and providing a visual indication of a proper connectionbetween the termination attachment 106, the ferrule 104, and the stem102. Referring to FIG. 3, the locking feature may be an annular lockinggroove 222 formed in the outer surface 218 of the termination attachment106. The annular locking groove 222 may be axially spaced from theleading end face 220 of the termination attachment 106 by a distancethat ensures a sufficient seal is formed between the terminationattachment 106 and the stem 102. Upon axial alignment of the annularlocking groove 222 with the through-holes 192, set screws 215 (see FIG.8, for example) may be inserted into the annular locking groove 222 toaxially secure the termination attachment 106 to the ferrule 104.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the second end portion 204 of thetermination attachment 106 may include a chamfer 224 to facilitatewelding the end termination 200 (see weld 227 in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6) tothe termination attachment 106. As previously noted, although a flange201 is shown, other types of termination connections, such as hammerunions, hubs, and other suitable high-pressure connections, may be used.Thus, the termination attachment 106 may provide robustness in the fieldas any one of various types of end terminations may be welded to thetermination attachment 106. After the end termination 200 is welded tothe termination attachment 106, the end termination 200 and theassociated termination attachment 106 may be threadably attached to theferrule 104, thereby providing a fluid-tight seal with the stem 102.Alternatively, the termination attachment 106 may be integrally formedor machined with a desired end termination 200.

To assemble the hose coupling 100, the ferrule 104 may be alignedcoaxially with the stem 102 and threaded onto the stem 102 until aleading edge 198 of the internal thread 196 of the intermediate portion162 of the ferrule 104 abuts against the third shoulder 156 of theintermediate portion 112 of the stem 102. The end portion 126 of thehose 128 may be skived externally, internally, or both and slid into theannular space 166 defined radially between the first collar portion 158of the ferrule 104 and the first end portion 108 of the stem 102. Thefirst collar portion 158 of the ferrule 104 may be radially collapsedaround the end portion 126 of the hose 128, the first end portion 108 ofthe stem 102 may be radially expanded by an axially-moveable plugdisposed within the internal bore 114 of the stem 102, for example, orboth to secure the stem 102 and the ferrule 104 to the end portion 126of the hose 128.

After the stem 102 and the ferrule 104 are attached to the end portion126 of the hose 128, the termination attachment 106 may be attached toan opposing end of the ferrule 104. The termination attachment 106 maybe associated with an end termination 200, by welding, integrallymachining, or other fabrication techniques, before attachment to thefitting 107. The termination attachment 106 may be threadably receivedwithin the second collar portion 160 of the ferrule 104 until sufficientengagement of the internal thread 190 of the ferrule 104 and theexternal thread 206 of the termination attachment 106, which may beindicated by axial alignment of the marking 216 of the terminationattachment 106 with the end face 194 of the ferrule 104. The threadedengagement of the termination attachment 106 and the ferrule 104 mayform a fluid-tight interface between the inner surface 208 of thetermination attachment 106 and the outer surface 140 of the stem 102 viathe sealing element 150, as well as between the tapered surface 147 ofthe stem 102 and the tapered surface 211 of the termination attachment106.

After the termination attachment 106 is attached to the ferrule 104 andsealed against the stem 102, the termination attachment 106 may beaxially locked to the ferrule 104 to prevent unthreading of thetermination attachment 106 relative to the ferrule 104. Upon axialalignment of the through-holes 192 of the second collar portion 160 ofthe ferrule 104 with the annular locking groove 222 of the terminationattachment 106, one or more set screws 215 (see FIG. 8, for example) maybe rotated within the internally-threaded through-holes 192 to radiallyinsert a portion of the set screws 215 within the annular locking groove222 to obstruct axial movement of the termination attachment 106relative to the ferrule 104 and thus the stem 102.

The ferrule 104, the termination attachment 106, or both may includeknurling or similar surface modification, which may enhance gripping andturning of the ferrule 104, the termination attachment 106, or both,especially during hand tightening. The ferrule 104, the terminationattachment 106, or both may include engagement or wrenching adaptationssuch as a hex, holes, slots, flats, or orifices, which are capable ofreceiving a wrench or other tool used to tighten/loosen and/or generallyapply torque to the ferrule 104, the termination attachment 106, or bothduring assembly of the hose coupling 100.

With the exception of the intermediate portion 112 of the stem 102 andthe intermediate portion 162 of the ferrule 104 illustrated in FIGS.1-5, the coupling 300 illustrated in FIG. 6 has the same features andoperation as the coupling 100. Accordingly, the preceding discussion ofthe features and operation of the coupling 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5should be considered equally applicable to the coupling 300 illustratedin FIG. 6, except as noted in the following discussion pertaining to theattachment of the ferrule 304 to the stem 302. The reference numeralsused in FIG. 6 generally correspond to the reference numerals used inFIGS. 1-5 to reflect similar parts and attachments, except the firstdigit of each reference numeral associated with a modified part orfeature is incremented by two.

Referring to FIG. 6, the intermediate portion 362 of the ferrule 304 ofthe hose coupling 300 may be staked onto the intermediate portion 312 ofthe stem 302 to attach the ferrule 304 to the stem 302 and promoteproper alignment between the corresponding features of the ferrule 304and the stem 302. The intermediate portion 362 of the ferrule 304 mayinclude an internal, annular ridge 305, and the intermediate portion 312of the stem 302 may include a corresponding annular-receiving groove313. To attach the ferrule 304 to the stem 302, the annular ridge 305may be staked into the annular groove 313. Staking the ferrule 304 tothe stem 302 may eliminate the need to weld the ferrule 304 to the stem302 or perform special heat treating, which may corrode the fitting 307.

Referring to FIG. 7, the preceding discussion of the features andoperation of the couplings 100, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 should beconsidered equally applicable to the coupling 400 illustrated in FIG. 7,except as noted in the following discussion pertaining to themetal-to-metal seal between the stem 402 and the termination attachment406. The reference numerals used in FIG. 7 generally correspond to thereference numerals used in FIGS. 1-6 to reflect similar parts andattachments, except the first digit of each reference numeral associatedwith a modified part or feature is incremented by three relative toFIGS. 1-5 and by one relative to FIG. 6. For example, ferrule 404 inFIG. 7 generally corresponds to ferrule 104 in FIGS. 1-5 and ferrule 304in FIG. 6.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, a metal-to-metal seal 449 betweenthe termination attachment 406 and the stem 402 may be formed forwardlyof sealing element 450, which may be disposed forwardly of the shoulder446. The metal-to-metal seal 449 may be defined by a fluid-tightinterface between an angled or tapered surface 411 of the terminationattachment 406 and an angled or tapered surface 447 of the stem 402. Themetal-to-metal seal 449 may be formed at a smaller diameter relative tothe metal-to-metal seal 149 of the coupling 100.

Referring to FIG. 8, the preceding discussion of the features andoperation of the couplings illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 should be consideredequally applicable to the coupling 500 illustrated in FIG. 8, except asnoted in the following discussion pertaining to the terminationattachment 506 and the end termination 200. The reference numerals usedin FIG. 8 generally correspond to the reference numerals used in FIGS.1-7 to reflect similar parts and attachments, except the first digit ofeach reference numeral associated with a modified part or feature isincremented by four relative to FIGS. 1-5.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the coupling 500 may include a stem502, a ferrule 504 staked to the stem 502, a termination attachment 506in sealing engagement with the stem 502 and in threaded engagement withthe ferrule 504, and an end termination 200 permanently attached to thetermination attachment 506 by a weld 627. The end termination 200 may beexternally or internally threaded at a terminal end opposite thetermination attachment 506 and may be referred to as a stud end 601.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the coupling 500 may include asecond or over-ferrule 603 attached to the termination attachment 506.The over-ferrule 603 may surround the fitting 507 and protect thefitting 507 from external damage. The over-ferrule 603 may extendaxially over the ferrule 504 of the fitting 507, may be arrangedconcentrically about the ferrule 504, and may be spaced radiallyoutwardly of the ferrule 504. Although not shown in FIG. 8, a protectivearmor may be disposed radially between the ferrule 504 and theover-ferrule 603, which may secure the protective armor to the endportion of the hose. The protective armor may surround the exteriorsurface of the hose and may extend along a substantial portion of thelength of the hose. The protective armor may protect the hose and aninsulation layer covering the hose. The protective armor may beconstructed of stainless steel and may be formed in a spiral, flexibleconfiguration.

Referring still to FIG. 8, an annular plate 605 may be attached to thetermination attachment 506 axially between the end termination 200 andthe ferrule 504. An inner surface of the annular plate 605 may bemounted onto an outer surface of the termination attachment 506 andsecured in place by a weld, for example. The annular plate 605 may bewelded to the termination attachment 506 prior to attachment of thetermination attachment 506 to the fitting 507. One end of the secondferrule 603 may be attached to an outer surface of the annular plate605, and the opposite end of the second ferrule 603 may be disposedabout an exposed portion of the hose. The second ferrule 603 may beattached to the annular plate 605 by one or more fasteners 515, such asset screws. In this configuration, an annular space 609 defined betweenthe second ferrule 603 and the ferrule 504 may be closed at one end bythe annular plate 605 and may be open at an opposite end. Thetermination attachment 506 may be longer than the terminationattachments 106, 406, 506 shown in FIGS. 1-7 to provide more surfacearea for attachment of the annular plate 605 to the terminationattachment 506. As should be appreciated, the second ferrule 603, theannular plate 605, or both may be used with the couplings shown in FIGS.1-7.

Referring to FIG. 9, the preceding discussion of the features andoperation of the couplings illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 should be consideredequally applicable to the coupling 600 illustrated in FIG. 9, except asnoted in the following discussion pertaining to the terminationattachment 606 and the fitting 607. The reference numerals used in FIG.9 generally correspond to the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-8 toreflect similar parts and attachments, except the first digit of eachreference numeral associated with a modified part or feature isincremented by five relative to FIGS. 1-5.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the coupling 600 may include a stem602, a ferrule 604, a termination attachment 606, and an end termination200. The ferrule 604 may be attached to the stem 602 and define anannular space 666 between the ferrule 604 and the stem 602 configured toreceive an end portion of a hose. The termination attachment 606 may beattached to the stem 602 in opposing relationship to the ferrule 604.The end termination 200 may be integrally-machined with the terminationattachment 606. The end termination 200 may be externally threaded at aterminal end opposite the termination attachment 606 and may be referredto as a stud end 701.

Referring still to FIG. 9, the termination attachment 606 may threadedonto the stem 602. The termination attachment 606 may include aninternal thread for threaded engagement with an external thread of thestem 602 to attach the end termination 200 to the fitting 607. Thetermination attachment 606 and the stem 602 may include correspondinglocking features to prevent the termination attachment 606 fromunthreading from the fitting 607. The locking feature of the stem 602may include an annular locking groove 622, and the locking feature ofthe termination attachment 606 may include one or more through-holes 692that may be axially aligned with the annular locking groove 622 uponsealing engagement between the termination attachment 606 and the stem602. One or more set screws (see set screws 215 in FIG. 8, for example)may be threadably received in the through-holes 692 of the terminationattachment 606 and may protrude into the annular locking groove 622 ofthe stem 602 to prevent or substantially prevent rotation of thetermination attachment 606 relative to the stem 602.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the termination attachment 606 mayform a fluid-tight interface with the stem 602. The interface betweenthe termination attachment 606 and the stem 602 may provide twofluid-tight seals: a first seal formed by a sealing element 650, and asecond, metal-to-metal seal 649 axially offset from the sealing element650. As shown in FIG. 9, the metal-to-metal seal 649 may be formedaxially inward of the sealing element 650 and axially outward of thethreaded engagement between the termination attachment 606 and the stem602. Another sealing element 636 may be seated onto the stem 602radially inwardly of the ferrule 604 to sealingly engage an innersurface of a hose.

The ferrule 604, the termination attachment 606, or both may includeknurling or similar surface modification, which may enhance gripping andturning of the ferrule 604, the termination attachment 606, or both. Theferrule 604, the termination attachment 606, or both may includeengagement or wrenching adaptations 651 such as a hex, holes, slots,flats, or orifices, which are capable of receiving a wrench or othertool used to tighten/loosen and/or generally apply torque to the ferrule604, the termination attachment 606, or both during assembly of the hosecoupling 600. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the coupling 600 may includean insertion marking to indicate the termination attachment 606 is fullyengaged with the stem 602. In some examples, an insertion marking isformed on the outer surface of the stem 602, and axial alignment of theleading end face 620 of the termination attachment 606 with theinsertion marking indicates a proper sealed engagement between thetermination attachment 606 and the stem 602. The axial distance betweenthe opposing end faces 620, 621 of the termination attachment 606 andthe ferrule 604, respectively, may be increased by lengthening the stem602, for example, to facilitate viewing of the insertion marking on thestem 602.

The provided hose coupling may overcome many issues of other hosecouplings, such as risk of heat damage and time-consuming removal ofdies during attachment of the hose coupling to an end portion of a hose.The provided hose coupling may provide a reliable way to add a widevariety of end terminations to a single hose-end fitting design. Forlarge, heavy end terminations, crimping or swaging operations may becompleted with lighter, easier to manage couplings, without thenecessity of removing dies to remove the couplings from the equipment.If welding is required for an end termination, the welding operation maybe performed in a simple, separate process, without concern foroverheating the hose. In other words, the termination attachment may beassociated with an end termination prior to attaching the terminationattachment to a hose via the hose-end fitting.

In some implementations, the provided hose coupling may include recessesin the ferrule that reduce crimping force and ferrule growth, becausethe mid-recess material may not move as far as the end-recess material,leading to a rounded appearance after crimping. The multiple diameterexternal contour of the ferrule may be particularly suitable forcrimping. In some applications for plastic-lined hoses, the stem of theprovided hose coupling may include several advantageous features. Insome examples, the hose coupling includes relatively sharp-edged,tapered barbs that grip the plastic and resist flow of the plastic athigh temperatures and pressures. In some examples, one or more sealskeep the conveyed medium from escaping between the stem and the hose.This may be particularly helpful in the event that compression isreduced between the hose and the stem with exposure to heat andpressure.

In some implementations, the hose coupling may include a region wherethe reinforcement layer of the hose is gripped both internally andexternally. The region may include offset ridges on the stem and ferruleto create a multiple bite engagement. In some implementations, atermination attachment feature allows any of a number of hoseterminations to be attached to the fitting after the fitting is attachedto the hose, enabling the fitting to readily utilize a broad variety ofend terminations. The termination attachment feature may reduce theweight of the fitting, facilitate handling during attachment of thefitting to the hose, and permit removal of the hose assembly from theattachment equipment without removing dies.

The foregoing description has broad application. The hose coupling maybe used in high-pressure applications with, but not limited to, 3-4″hose, which may be rubber or plastic. The termination attachment may bea nipple or other tubular structure, which may be welded, integrallymachined, or otherwise associated with a desired end termination suchthat users may attach any desired end termination to the terminationattachment, providing robustness to the hose coupling, especially infield applications. The termination attachment may include an internalor external thread, and the ferrule or the stem may include an internalor external mating thread. The termination attachment and the stem mayform a seal, which may be internal or external to either the terminationattachment or the stem. The seal may be formed by a sealing element,which may be captured by a groove in the termination attachment or thestem or may be captured between shoulders of the termination attachmentand the stem. The discussion of any example is meant only to beexplanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of thedisclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. In otherwords, while illustrative examples of the disclosure have been describedin detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts maybe otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appendedclaims are intended to be construed to include such variations, exceptas limited by the prior art. For instance, the termination attachmentmay be externally and/or internally threaded. In some examples, thetermination attachment may have a female or internal thread configuredto threadably engage a male or external thread of the stem to attach thetermination attachment to the fitting.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the formor forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of thedisclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, orconfigurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However,it should be understood that various features of the certain aspects,embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined inalternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Moreover, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Descriptionby this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment of the present disclosure.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower,upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top,bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise,and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aidthe reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not createlimitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use ofthis disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled,connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may includeintermediate members between a collection of elements and relativemovement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such,connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements aredirectly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identificationreferences (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth,etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are usedto distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposesof illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relativesizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hose coupling for attachment to an end portionof a hose, the hose coupling comprising: a fitting attachable to the endportion of the hose, the fitting comprising a ferrule and a stemincluding a first end portion insertable into an end portion of a hose,the ferrule attached to the stem; a termination attachment attached tothe fitting in opposing relationship to the end portion of the hose; andan end termination associated with the termination attachment; whereinthe termination attachment forms a fluid-tight interface with the stem;wherein the fluid-tight interface comprises: a first seal formed by asealing element sealed against opposing surfaces of the stem and thetermination attachment; and a second seal formed between opposingtapered surfaces of the stem and the termination attachment; wherein thetermination attachment and the fitting include corresponding lockingfeatures to prevent the termination attachment from unthreading from thefitting.
 2. The hose coupling of claim 1 wherein the terminationattachment is in threaded engagement with the fitting by means ofinternal threads on the termination attachment which mate with externalthreads on the stem.
 3. The hose coupling of claim 1 wherein thetermination attachment is in threaded engagement with the fitting bymeans of external threads on the termination attachment which mate withinternal threads on the ferrule.
 4. The hose coupling of claim 1 whereinthe tapered surfaces are axially offset from the sealing element.
 5. Thehose coupling of claim 4 wherein the termination attachment is inthreaded engagement with the fitting.
 6. The hose coupling of claim 2wherein: the locking feature of the fitting comprises an annular lockinggroove in the stem; the locking feature of the termination attachmentcomprises one or more through-holes axially aligned with the annularlocking groove; and one or more set screws are received in thethrough-holes and protrude into the annular locking groove.
 7. The hosecoupling of claim 3 wherein: the locking feature of the terminationattachment comprises an annular locking groove; the locking feature ofthe fitting comprises one or more through-holes in the ferrule axiallyaligned with the annular locking groove; and one or more set screws arereceived in the through-holes and protrude into the annular lockinggroove.
 8. The hose coupling of claim 1 wherein the end termination iswelded to the termination attachment.
 9. The hose coupling of claim 8wherein the termination attachment comprises a tubular structure that isthreaded at one end and chamfered for the weld at an opposing end. 10.The hose coupling of claim 1 further comprising a second ferruleattached to the termination attachment.
 11. The hose coupling of claim10 wherein the second ferrule extends axially over the ferrule and isspaced radially outwardly of the ferrule.
 12. A method of attaching thehose coupling of claim 1 to a hose, the method comprising: inserting anend portion of a hose into an annular space defined between the ferruleand the stem; radially constricting the annular space to attach thefitting to the end portion of the hose; and after attaching the fittingto the end portion of the hose, threadably engaging the terminationattachment to the fitting in opposing relationship to the end portion ofthe hose.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising forming afluid-tight interface between opposing surfaces of the terminationattachment and the stem during the threaded engagement of thetermination attachment to the fitting.
 14. The method of claim 12further comprising rotating the termination attachment relative to thefitting until a marking on an outer surface of the terminationattachment is aligned with an end face of the ferrule.
 15. The method ofclaim 12 wherein radially constricting the annular space compresses asecond sealing element disposed about the stem against an inner surfaceof the hose to form a fluid-tight interface between the sealing elementand the hose.
 16. The method of claim 12 further comprising axiallylocking the termination attachment to the fitting to prevent unthreadingof the termination attachment from the fitting.
 17. A hose assemblycomprising: a hose comprising: an inner tube; a cable reinforcementlayer surrounding the inner tube; and a cover layer surrounding thecable reinforcement layer; and the coupling of claim 1 crimped or swagedonto an end portion of the hose.
 18. The hose assembly of claim 17wherein the termination attachment is in threaded engagement with theferrule or the stem.
 19. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the couplingfurther comprises a second sealing element disposed about the stem andsealed against an inner surface of the inner tube.
 20. The assembly ofclaim 19 wherein the ferrule includes an internal serration positionedaxially inward of the second sealing element to facilitate a fluid-tightinterface between the second sealing element and the inner surface ofthe inner tube.
 21. The hose assembly of claim 17 wherein the endtermination is welded to or integrally-machined with the terminationattachment.
 22. The hose assembly of claim 17 wherein the inner tube isat least partially skived along the end portion of the hose.
 23. Thehose assembly of claim 22 wherein the cover layer is at least partiallyskived along the end portion of the hose.